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James O'Connor on Crusaders preseason: 'I haven't experienced anything like it'
By Ned Lester
James O’Connor and the Crusaders are wrapping up their pre-Christmas preseason in Christchurch so the former Wallaby now has a decent sample size to compare his Kiwi and Australian preseason experiences.
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After a dozen years in Australian Super Rugby with three different teams, in addition to eight years in Europe, O’Connor says the pace of the Crusaders preseason is unlike anything he’s experienced in his career.
The 34-year-old has been vocal in his pursuit of the Crusaders’ No. 10 jersey, while also praising the young talent he is nurturing in the form of Rivez Reihana and Taha Kemara, two players he says have “good rugby heads”. In competing for the starting spot, O’Connor has been put through his paces.
“It’s been tasty, it’s been fast, it’s been tough. I’m sticking in there, keeping up, really enjoying it. They’ve definitely turned the weather on, I’m loving that,” O’Connor told Newstalk ZB‘s Sportstalk with D’Arcy Waldegrave.
“To compare it to Australia, we have a little bit longer of a preseason. We’re usually running off an eight to 10 weeker whereas here it’s, due to the NPC, a little bit shorter.
“But, just because it’s shorter doesn’t mean it’s not as tough. We’re doing triple sessions a day, big field sessions and it’s fast. The ruck speed, I haven’t experienced anything like it – you do fitness games, but the ruck speed here in 15 on 15 is another level. It’s definitely asking a lot of me.”
The 64-time Wallaby says his body is feeling good and handling the rigours of training well despite being 16 years removed from his international debut. Finding the local swimming holes and beaches has been a big part of settling into Christchurch life and staying fresh off the field.
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Having been on the receiving end of the Crusaders’ dominance over much of the past decade, O’Connor says he’s been looking forward to seeing what’s behind the team’s success.
“It is very exciting for me, and as an Aussie with Kiwi parents to be able to take a peek behind the window and see a club that’s had so much success, and to just be a part of it and feel it. I’ve got ambitions of going into coaching so I’m really enjoying it. It’s definitely different, in a great way.”
With that Kiwi heritage, O’Connor hinted his mind had wandered to a life on New Zealand soil once upon a time. His ambitions remain in Wallaby gold though.
“You know what? I’d always thought about it, I’ll put it that way. But, for it to be able to be reality is a very different thing. I’ve always wanted to know what it’s like to play in New Zealand, so I’ll leave that at that.”
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Crusaders will be hurting after the humiliation of last season.
I wouldn't bet on them being outside the top 8 again, but unless this is breakout season for one of their young 10s it's hard to see them challenging the Blues, Chiefs, and Brumbies.
Tight tussle with similarly encumbered Hurricanes for 4th spot.
Hopefully it will be much tighter than that. I'm not sure about elsewhere, their backs are pretty hopeless in general, but I think James could easily be their best (again not saying much).
James O'Connor comments are correct. Having been to the trainings at CHCH 's Malvern Park, there trainings have been fast and furious . They have stepped up a gear on previous seasons. James looks sharp. As do all the new guys. Ethan Blackadder is in great nick. I believe he is going to have great 2025. Off the field a good guy. Same goes for guys like Dominic Gardiner, Cullen Grace, George Bower. As has been the case for the last few years, great seeing Ethan and Dominic following in the footsteps of there Dads Todd Blackadder and Angus Gardiner, who were big parts of the first title winning Crusader teams, Todd the captain.
The comments tell us why we can't select All Blacks who play in Australia. Standards simply aren't as high.
Good to see him and adds a bit of spice but like Halfpenny a strange decision
They really should back their first fives who have their first season under their belt
If either Reihana or Kemara perform better than O'Connor in preseason matches, then one of them should start. They both were terrible last season so they certainly have not earned a starting spot based on past performance.
Very weird choice. Penney obviously has a type.
The Crusaders certainly felt the lack of a top class No 10 last season. O'Conner has shown that he has that X factor and a decent rugby brain but the intensity and physicality of SR, particularly amongst the NZ teams, might be a bridge to far for him in the twilight of his career. Maybe a 60 minute player?
Will be interesting to see how O'Connor goes with the Crusaders who were poor last season. They certainly need a decent pivot again to replace the fine ones they have had in the past. Good luck.
Stop it now James, we don't like those comments when comes to Southern Hemisphere teams.